Boxers from Great Britain will not take part in the women’s world championships in New Delhi next month. British Boxing’s decision was prompted by concerns about the sport’s Olympic future. In December last year, the International Olympic Committee said it was very likely that boxing would be removed from the program of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics because the International Boxing Association (IBA) was not making the required changes.
The qualification cycle for Paris 2024 Olympics is under the control of the IOC, and another problem British boxing sees is the decision by the IBA, which is mainly sponsored by Gazprom, to restore the competitive status of boxers from Russia and Belarus.
“Our decision is a result of ongoing concerns about boxing’s place on the Olympic programme. The recent decision by the IBA to bring back athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under their flags and with their anthem is contrary to the resolution passed by the IOC”, said British Boxing. “This decision further alienates the IBA and the Olympic movement, which is combined with long-standing problems regarding the integrity and transparency of the leadership of the international association. British Boxing condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine and stands in solidarity with the people, boxers, trainers and officials in Ukraine”, points out British Boxing.
British Boxing added that they have not yet made a final decision on the men’s participation in the world championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan in May this year.
A few days ago, the US and Irish boxing federations also announced a boycott of the upcoming world championships citing the same reasons.
The IBA threatened to demand sanctions for the federations that initiate and participate in such a boycott.
